PURPOSE
The purpose of the training is to raise awareness on the actual benefits provided by satellite technologies for humanitarian relief and to develop their capacities to use them efficiently in the realisation of their mission.

The training is based on modules covering key aspects of the uses of GIS and satellite imagery for humanitarian relief and recovery. These modules address the following topics:

- General introduction to Geographic Information System and Remote Sensing
- Their benefits in Humanitarian Action
- Gathering geo-coded data
- On line mapping tools
- Map reading and making
- Ways of integrating these tools in humanitarian actors’ work

CONTENT AND APPROACH
The modules are used to run sessions for an average duration of 90 minutes each, and sessions are designed according to an interactive model. The three day training combines presentations and empirical training, case studies and exercises.

The training will be conducted by Sida, UNOSAT and the GIS Centre at Lund University.

UNOSAT is the operational satellite applications programme of the United Nations Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR). UNOSAT has been operating since 2002 in the field of the uses of satellite imagery for the coordination of Humanitarian relief, and delivers training in this domain to local, national and international development actors.

Lund University GIS Centre was established in 1993 in order to focus GIS education and implementation efforts at the university. Within its Education mandate the Centre runs Master and undergraduate programs, both on campus and as Internet based e-Learning. The Centre has a very strong international profile and is or has been involved in Research, Education and Consulting activities and cooperation all over the world.

APPLICATION
Professional affiliation with an organization or institution is a requisite for participation in the course. Thus individuals interested in applying to the course are asked to submit applications in conjunction with their employing organization.

Selection of course participants will be based on qualifications related to professional experience and interest in the sphere of humanitarian action. A selection will be made with a view to inviting a diverse and wide range of participants, but with focus on the use of satellite imaging within their operational planning.

More information regarding accommodation, training facilities and other activities related to the training will be provided to those who will be selected for the training after passed deadline. Maximum 20 persons will be accepted to participate during the training.

VENUE
The training will take place in the facilities of GIS Centre, Lund University. Click here for a location of the GIS Centre.

CONTACT AND INQUIRIES
Questions concerning the content of the course can be addressed to Johan Rutgersson, ATHA Project Coordinator at Sida, johan.rutgersson@sida.se, phone: +46-(0)8-698 40 09.

Questions concerning lodging, venue, meals, etc. should be addressed to Magdalena Åkerros, magdalena.akerros@sida.se, Course Administrator, phone +46 (0)8-698 40 44.